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2003 SESSION

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HB 1464 General achievement diploma.

Introduced by: Charles W. Carrico, Sr. | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

General achievement diploma. Directs the Board of Education, by September 1, 2003, to develop, by regulation, requirements for the award of the general achievement diploma to students (i) passing the GED examination; (ii) successfully completing an education and training program designated by the Board; and (iii) satisfying other requirements the Board may establish. A second enactment authorizes emergency regulations.

SUMMARY AS PASSED HOUSE:

General achievement diploma. Directs the Board of Education to develop, by regulation, requirements for the award of the general achievement diploma to students (i) passing the GED examination; (ii) successfully completing an education and training program designated by the Board; and (iii) satisfying other requirements the Board may establish.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

General educational development (GED) certificate; special diploma. Amends provisions addressing the general educational development examination by (i) raising the minimum testing age from 18 to 19 years of age for persons not enrolled in public school and not otherwise meeting compulsory attendance requirements; (ii) directing the Board of Education to develop, by regulation, requirements for the award of a special high school diploma to students passing the GED examination; (iii) increasing the current 30-day residency requirement, as specified in regulation, to three months, with an exception provided for persons participating in the federal Job Corps program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor or other designated initiatives; and (iv) adding an exception for persons age 16 and older who are participating in the federal Job Corps program or other designated initiative to take the GED test.

Board regulations are to address residency and waivers, test security, and other matters as the Board deems appropriate.

Pursuant to Standard 1 of the Standards of Quality, local school boards are currently required to implement "programs based on prevention, intervention, or retrieval designed to increase the number of students who earn a high school diploma or general education development (GED) certificate."

Current law provides the following exceptions to the 18-years-of-age requirement: (i) persons 16 years of age or older who completed home school instruction; (ii) persons excused from school attendance for religious, health, or safety reasons or who "cannot benefit" from school attendance; and (iii) persons who have an individual student alternative education plan. The Code specifically denies GED testing eligibility for anyone under age 16.